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The Joy of Movement

How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage

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The Joy of Movement

By: Kelly McGonigal
Narrated by: Kelly McGonigal
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About this listen

The best-selling author of The Willpower Instinct introduces a surprising science-based audiobook that doesn't tell us why we should exercise but instead shows us how to fall in love with movement.

Exercise is health-enhancing and life-extending, yet many of us feel it's a chore. But as Kelly McGonigal reveals, it doesn't have to be. Movement can and should be a source of joy.

Through her trademark blend of science and storytelling, McGonigal draws on insights from neuroscience, psychology, anthropology, and evolutionary biology, as well as memoirs, ethnographies, and philosophers. She shows how movement is intertwined with some of the most basic human joys, including self-expression, social connection, and mastery - and why it is a powerful antidote to the modern epidemics of depression, anxiety, and loneliness.

McGonigal tells the stories of people who have found fulfillment and belonging through running, walking, dancing, swimming, weightlifting, and more, with examples that span the globe, from Tanzania, where one of the last hunter-gatherer tribes on the planet live, to a dance class at Juilliard for people with Parkinson's disease, to the streets of London, where volunteers combine fitness and community service, to races in the remote wilderness, where athletes push the limits of what a human can endure. Along the way, McGonigal paints a portrait of human nature that highlights our capacity for hope, cooperation, and self-transcendence.

The result is a revolutionary narrative that goes beyond familiar arguments in favor of exercise, to illustrate why movement is integral to both our happiness and our humanity. Listeners will learn what they can do in their own lives and communities to harness the power of movement to create happiness, meaning, and connection.

©2019 Kelly McGonigal (P)2019 Penguin Audio
Exercise & Fitness Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Success Physical Exercise

Critic Reviews

"Part scientific exploration, part inspirational story, part intimate love letter to physical activity, The Joy of Movement reveals how what many consider as just 'exercise' is actually so much more - a pathway to not only physical and mental health, but also love, connection, and community. Kelly has written a fascinating book that is a must-read for everyone, really." (Brad Stulberg, best-selling author of Peak Performance and The Passion Paradox; columnist at Outside magazine)

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Brilliant

One of the best books I’ve read. As a long time runner Kelly explains why I have been addicted to running and how it’s changed my life for the better. Highly recommend especially for someone considering starting exercise or going through depression.

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so inspiring!

I absolutely loved this book! It's been so fascinating to read and learn and be inspired! I've been telling everyone about it!

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So interesting!!

A great book based on evidence based information around the joy of movement…brought me a lot of joy to listen to!

Recommending to everyone!!

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Triple A for boosting mental wellbeing

Kelly has been my constant morning companion (through audible) over the past few weeks. I head out the door to see the sunrise and listen to Kelly as I go. I’m amazed at how I’ve been so inspired by Kelly as I walk, climb the steep stairs and run around the coast. My efforts prior to Kelly were lacking direction and motivation. I walked, but slowly. I was saying to myself, “oh that’s ok for today”. Now I go a little further inspired by hearing of others who’ve done the same and the benefits they’ve gained.

I’ve lifted out of the depression I was experiencing and I’m enjoying days filled with a joy and calm I haven’t experienced for sometime. I just finished listening to the book today but will start it all again from the beginning tomorrow.

It’s full of excellent scientific research and anecdotal stories that have me thinking about movement in a whole new way. It is accessible to me! I can do it! A wonderful surprise to be increasing my activity and movement at 61 rather than slowing down. I want to get stronger and I believe I can.

No other book or gym or coach has inspired me so much to move. And I can tell you I’ve tried a few!

I hope you enjoy this book and Kelly as much as I have and you join me on the merry road of moving more and increased mental wellbeing

Thank you Kelly, what a magnificent effort you gone to for us all!

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Struggled to finish

I downloaded this book on the recommendation of a YouTuber and honestly I struggled to finish. There just wasn't enough material to sustain a book. It could have been a great article or an interesting podcast but I found it quite bloated with anecdotes that didn't do much for the book as a whole.

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